If you’re looking for a fantastic adventure, look no further than the incredible hikes around the Big Island of Hawaii. With so many different trails to choose from, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced hiker, there’s a hike on this island that will take your breath away and fill your day with wonder! So put on your hiking shoes and get ready to explore some of the most beautiful scenery in the world!
What Hikers Can Expect In Hawaii
Hiking on the island of Hawaii is an experience that you should take advantage of. With its spectacular views, unique wildlife, and terrain, Hawaii has many hikes to choose from. Whether you are looking for challenging trails or leisurely strolls around the island, you’ll find something that suits your taste. Beginners can get acquainted with the island’s trails by starting with short hikes in national parks like Kealakekua Bay or Akaka Falls State Park.
Experienced hikers may want to explore more demanding trails up Mauna Kea and Mauna Loa volcanoes, as well as several trails along the island’s rugged coastline and picturesque tropical forests. Whatever your skill level or fitness level is, there is something for all types of hikers on the island of Hawaii.
The Best Hikes Around The Big Island
One of the problems you might have when heading out for a hike on the big island is choosing between one of the fantastic trails! With so many incredible choices, it can be challenging to decide. So let’s look at some of the best hikes around the island and see which one is right for you!
Makalawena Beach
Makalawena Beach on the big island of Hawaii is an unforgettable hike for any outdoor enthusiast. Nestled among the ancient lava rock formations, almost untouched by tourist crowds, Makalawena Beach displays the natural beauty of Hawaii. There are three two-mile trails that you can explore to discover hidden gems – a couple of secret coves, an enchanted waterfall, and, with luck, some friendly dolphins.
As you make your way through this lush landscape, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a tropical paradise. So if you’re looking for something truly spectacular, take advantage of hiking Makalawena Beach!
Kīlauea Iki
Walking through Kīlauea Iki is a must-do for those seeking an unforgettable experience. This exciting trail takes you up close and personal to a volcanic crater and gives you a chance to observe an amazing landscape created by centuries of lava flow. This picturesque sight includes a diverse array of terrain, from lush rainforest rims to barren lava fields, giving you plenty to appreciate during your hike.
But the real highlight lies within the crater’s depths, where steam pours from the hardened lava and creates an intense yet captivating atmosphere. Although this demanding trek is roughly 3.25 miles, it’s worth every minute spent exploring such a remarkable destination!
Mauna Loa
Hiking Mauna Loa is a humbling experience – you are scaling an active volcano! This formidable mountain offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the island of Hawaii and hundreds of miles of unrivaled beauty. With glaciers and cinder cones, this hike provides visitors with an unforgettable landscape to explore. But be prepared – it is arduous, even for experienced hikers!
The difficulty comes from the steep slopes, persistent winds, and lava rocks that can make footing precarious. It’s also important to keep an eye out for any possible eruptions to ensure you’re staying on safe ground. As long as you take safety precautions seriously, there is nothing like hiking Mauna Loa.
Kealakekua Bay
Hiking Kealakekua Bay is a refreshing experience, allowing adventurous travelers to explore the stunning natural beauty of the Big Island. Visitors can see firsthand why this coast is one of the most picturesque places in Hawaii. From historical sites such as Captain Cook’s Monument at Kaawaloa Cove, or Pali Kapu O Keoua lookouts, each point offers magnificent overlooks over the bay and its coral reef.
Hiking through Kaloko-Honokohau National Historical Park rewards visitors with glimpses of ancient Hawaiian culture, from Petroglyphs to Ki’i pohaku (sacred stones). If you are someone who loves history and also loves nature, Kealakekua Bay is the perfect hike for you!
Papakōlea Green Sand Beach
Hiking Papakōlea Green Sand Beach is a unique experience that takes intrepid adventurers on a journey to the stunning vistas of picturesque Hawaii. The beach gets its distinctive green sand from olivine, an iron-magnesium silicate found in lava. The trek to get there can be long and challenging, but the overwhelming beauty of this natural wonder makes it more than worth it.
On top of the gorgeous scenery, visitors can also learn about ancient Hawaiian spiritual beliefs as they make their way to the beach—the sands of Papakōlea were once believed to bring harmony and balance to those who ran barefoot on them. For any traveler looking for a unique wilderness experience that combines breathtaking sights with cultural history, you cannot miss Papakōlea Green Sand Beach.
Akaka Falls State Park
Exploring Akaka Falls State Park is a fantastic experience. Surrounded by lush tropical rainforests and cascading waterfalls, the park offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Hikers can take in panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, winding paths with hidden surprises along the way, and multiple opportunities to observe native birds, animals, and plants.
And at only a 1/2 mile long, the Akaka Falls Trail is a relatively easy hike that anyone can enjoy, making it perfect for families or those looking to spend some time outdoors and want to avoid rugged terrains. Just remember to bring your camera – with so much beauty all around, you’ll want to capture every moment of your Akaka Falls State Park adventure.
Mauna Kea
Hiking Mauna Kea is an experience like none other. The allure of climbing Hawaii’s tallest mountain from sea level and hiking one of the island’s most revered peaks is truly remarkable. From the otherworldly terrain to the breathtaking views, this adventure will ensure anyone who climbs it has stories for a lifetime. Not only is the journey filled with discovery, but so too can you find insight and appreciation for nature when looking out into the horizon.
For those who prefer a challenge, hiking Mauna Kea requires careful preparation and hard work, as it’s best done in groups during daytime hours with plenty of water. However, taking your time and living in the moment is vital, as there is no better way to take in such a majestic peak than with your own two feet!
Start Exploring These Amazing Hikes On The Big Island!
There is no shortage of incredible hikes around the big island of Hawaii! From the stunning vistas of Kealakekua Bay to the unique beauty of green sand beaches like Papakōlea and the unrivaled views from the top of Mauna Kea, each trail offers something special for those who love to explore.
Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply looking for a way to exercise and see some breathtaking scenery while on vacation, the big island of Hawaii is truly a hiker’s paradise. So what are you waiting for? Get out there and start exploring!
